The American journal of the medical sciences
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Despite anti-retroviral therapy, HIV-1 infection increases the risk of pneumonia and causes oxidative stress and defective alveolar macrophage (AM) immune function. We have previously determined that HIV-1 proteins inhibit antioxidant defenses and impair AM phagocytosis by suppressing nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2). Given its known effects on Nrf2, we hypothesize miR-144 mediates the HIV-1 induced suppression of Nrf2. ⋯ Our results suggest that inhibiting miR-144 or interfering with its deleterious effects on Nrf2 attenuates HIV-1-mediated AM immune dysfunction and improves lung health in individuals with HIV.
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Meaningful participation in research for both faculty and residents is generally viewed to be an essential component of residency training. To better understand best practices in residency research, the authors conducted a survey among Internal Medicine (IM) Residency Programs with experience in research. ⋯ Research success during residency is multifactorial. The authors propose that having a robust structure for research that is led by a residency RD, and the presence of effective mentors and strong administrative support are critical for success.
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Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection causes inflammation and increases the risk of developing peptic ulcer disease (PUD); however, the exact molecular mechanisms of PUD development remain unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of CCL18, CCL28, and CXCL13 in H. pylori-positive subjects in comparison with H. pylori-negative subjects, and to determine its association with different clinical outcomes and virulence factors. ⋯ The increased of CCL18 and CXCL13 may be involved in the pathogenesis of H. pylori-associated gastritis, while the increased of CCL28 may be involved in the pathogenesis of H. pylori-associated PUD.
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The low prevalence of peritoneal dialysis (PD) (9%) vs. hemodialysis (HD) (88.2%) is partly due to patient dropout from therapy. ⋯ Our study indicates that the primary reason for controllable loss from therapy was secondary to PF regardless of the time on therapy or the method of initiation to therapy.
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Specific factors correlated with hypothyroidism in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients remain unclear. Therefore, we aim to evaluate the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in Chinese patients with SLE and the relationship between clinical hypothyroidism and SLE. ⋯ Hypothyroidism was more prevalent in patients with SLE. There was a relationship between hypothyroidism with renal disorder and lupus activity. Albumin, platelet count, serum creatinine, and anti-dsDNA antibodies were correlated with hypothyroidism.